F44 
.P67P7 






"^c? *•.,,•''* ^0^ 



^"•^<^ 

















.0' "^ ■*♦ ^*'^~^* ■^ 







'•^.. ^\ =>■.. --. c^' '■""■'. ''^^^'< oVC^S^'". ^ov^ 



'^0' 



'M (y °?^, 



x^--^ 






>^1^^N^ ^^^^£Y^V ^°-^^^V^ "^..•'^Y^^^O^ 












A o. 




^: >P r. 







V 



^O. 






% 



■f^'S''; ./-v- 







^"-v. ^^ 













^ - '^-^ 0^ 



s * • »• 'i. < ' 








^.p. ^S' 



-Jf^/X^IK^A 



•n-0^ 



0^ -o^.-,^ A 

o h 






»* 



^°u 







•\ o 




c 






^o-r-^ :2^iMf'-^.; .-^q 






^* o. 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS 



AND OTHER EXERCISES 



ON THE 



ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY 



OF THE 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 



OF PLAINFIHLD ( MERIDFN ), NEW HAMPSHIRE, 



SEPTEMBER 6. 1892. 



LKHANdN. N M. 

■.<i;SS OF A. li. FKKKMAN. 

li.'Q2. 






oi 

^vVo'xcQ of the dburd].-!^ 

Whekkas: In the preparation of this Centennial Address, our 
beloved Pastor has exceeded our highest expectations, therefore 

Resolved: That we express our appreciation of his faithful, 

efficient, efforts in the ministry of the Word and all other departments 

of the pastorate. 

Stehhen D. Stone, / ,. 
Converse Cole, \ ^^^^^^^ons. 



William C. True, i 

Converse Cole, [-Church Committee. 

Asa Walker, > 



The Exercises. 



Tuesday, September 6, 1892, was an interesting^ occa- 
sion to the Baptist Church in Meriden, being the looth 
anniversary of its organization. The church was tastily 
decorated with flowers, and above the pulpit at the right 
and left respectively appeared the inscriptions "1792," 
"1892," in evergreens. The program, under the direction 
of the pastor, was as follows: 

I. ANTHEM. "I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me." 

Choir. 

INVOCATION.— Lord's Prayer, Rkv. G. C. Trow. 

ADDRESS OF WELCOME. Mr. Wm. C. True. 

RESPONSE. Rev. O. C. Sargent. 

ANTHEM. "The Earth is the Lord's." Choir. 

SCRIPTURE READING. Rev. J. F. Fielding. 

PRAYER. Rev. N. F. Tilden. 

ANTHEM. "Sing and Rejoice, O Zion." Choir. 

HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

Rev O. Wilson Kimh.vll. 

ADDRESS. 

The primary object of histor\- is to accurately narrate 
the acts and experiences or man. Therefore the historic 
subject is man. This paper will deal with the events of a 
century in which Christian men and women were con- 
cerned. It is a partial biographical sketch of a branch of 
the Church of the Holy Christ. It hints at the successive 
activities and fortunes of a God-fearing few. There is 
never space for history, or time for its perusal, which does 
not include God and His dealings with the children of 
men — especially those in the federal compact of heart 
through Jesus Christ. 

This church had its birth of organization at the house 
of one fames Kimball, on the 6th day of September, 1792. 
In what section, the meagre records make no mention. It 
is not improbable that the event took place in what is 
presently known as the True neighborhood. 

( Subsequent inquiries have led to the unquestioned 
conclusion that the said James Kimball owned and occu- 
pied the premises now known as the Parker Cole place 



4 A)uni'crsaiy h..xcrciscs. 

the childhood home of the present senior deacon, Con- 
verse Cole. Standing amid the ruins, recently, a peculiar 
reverential awe crept over us, and we withdrew with addi- 
tional convictions that it was none other than the identi- 
cal spot where the compact was formed. ) 

The council, convened on that occasion, consisted of 
Elders Jedediah Hebbard and John Drue, with lay breth- 
ren from" the Baptist Church of Hartford, Vt. After ear- 
nest prayer for divine guidance. Elder Drue was chosen 
moderator and Elder Hebbard scribe. The compendium 
of faith and practice held by those wishing to become a 
church was found to be in accord with that of the church- 
es to which the several brethren belonged. They were, 
therefore, duly formed and subsequently received into the 
fellowship of sister churches. 

Dropping the thread of religious thought, we note a 
few of the events and achievements of the secular world. 
Two years prior to 1792, the District of Columbia was 
fixed as the future seat of the United States government. 
Eight years later the capital was fully established at 
Washington. New Hampshire joined the Union three 
3'ears previous to the establishment of this Christian body. 
In 1790 the population of Flainfield did not exceed 1000. 

The federal constitution, that wonderful document, 
the only alternative against cu'il war, was five years old. 
(ien. George Washington, its promoter and the first pres- 
ident of the Union, was serving the fourth year of his first 
term. About this time the first coach to carry the British 
mails left London for Bristol. In France, St. Motngolfier 
raised the first balloon. A little later and Robert Fulton 
constructs the first steamboat, and operates it upon the 
waters of the Hudson. A few years pass and the first 
train of steam cars rolls out of Baltimore for Elliot's 
Mills Then came the first telegraph in America by Prof. 
Morse. 

Glancing back to the old country, among the numer- 
ous inventions is that of the Frenchman Daguerre, by 
which photographic likenesses of the human face were 
produced. The spread of the English language — its 
development among the nations of the globe in the last 
hundred years — is simply wonderful. You will allow me 
to call it the gateway for the conquest of Christ's king- 
dom. The recent Canterberry revision of the Holy Bible 
was a necessity of the time consequent upon the rapidly- 
increasing interest among students of the English scrip- 
tures. Among the marvels of human achievement in the 
hundred vcars are those with the forces of electricity. 



A/n/i-i'ci saiy J :.\c irises. 5 

The lights, the street cars, the tcle[)h()ne, and the thous- 
and and one other appliances of this niii,dity, yet invisible 
ai^ent. 

What wouhl our fathers have thouy;ht to hax'e seen the 
phonograph and listenetl to its touching utterance of the 
words and music of loving ones long since silent in death? 
Doubtful indeed if Elder Jonathan Cram, the first preach- 
er to this Church, could have maintained his mental equi- 
librium had he suddenly come upon one riding the bicy- 
cle. In July of this year a relay bic\-cle run from Charles- 
town, Mass., to Portsmouth, N. II., with important navy 
\-ard documents, was made in four hours and ten minutes. 

It is a noteworthy fact that the center of population 
in the United States has moved westward at the rate of 
nearly fifty miles each decade of the centurw 

Dropping the thread of secular thought, we now re- 
sume that of the religious. Vm a series of years the 
church held its public meetings in private dwellings, sub- 
sequentl\- in the schoolhouses, later alternating between 
the two situated at East Plainfield and the Tiue district. 
I do not deem it wise to recite, in this connection, the de- 
tails of experience during those \-ears of struggle. To 
mention the eccentric acts of those days would be but to 
make you mirthful. Suffice it to say that the standard of 
discipline was at a high altitude, and exceedingly exact- 
ing. There was much of the grace of love, but law looked 
head and shoulders higher, at times, to say the least. The 
main object of the church meeting seemed to be to con- 
sider the conduct of certain members, to vote, to x'isit, 
report, excommunicate, etc. Sometimes the ground of 
the grievance was unsoundness in the cardinal doctrines 
of the special faith. There were a few along with them 
in those days who could hardly digest all included in the 
doctrine of the trinit\\ election, foreordination, persever- 
ence of the sain'ts, etc. 

The ]:)eo|)!e of prominence were the Blanchards, 
the Crams, the Hebbards, and the Kimballs. The 
name of True appears early in the records, and, unlike 
some others, proves reliable. It was at a meeting hehl at 
the house of one Daniel True, Ma\- 4th, 1795, that the 
church voted to ordain Jonathan Cram to the 
ministr\- of the gospel. Elder Cram was the first to exer- 
cise the pastoral care, and to minister regularl)- to this 
church. That he was a worthy man, none will question, 
but his goodness is not proxeii l)\- his jiractice of preaching 
sci-nions four hours in length. The low, narrow seats 
in the school-houses must have se\"erel\- tested the faith 



6 Anniversary Exercises. 

of the attendants who sat, without rising, during the pro- 
tracted service. The house he occupied was situated on 
the hill overlooking the valley south, near the present 
residence of brother Wm. C. True, on land now owned 
by Mr. John Hammond F"rench. The old cellar, partially 
filled with the accumulating debris and growth of bushes, 
is the only relic. 

Frequent inxitations came from the Congregational 
society to unite interests, and worship God with them. 
The kindness of the Congregationalists was heartily ap- 
preciated, but for reasons better known to the Baptists, 
consolidation seemed not advisable. In 1799, by special 
request of the church in Lebanon, this church sent its El- 
der and several delegates to examine and aid in the ordi- 
nation of one Laban Hall to the ministry of Christ. The 
scr\'icc was appointed to take place at the residence of 
one Pelatiah Hush. Requests for councils concerning 
grievances between the two churches in Grafton were 
quite frequent. Re\'ivals, or special seasons of religious 
renewing, were not numerous among the churches at this 
time. 

In the \ear 1800 Uriah Smith, a member of this 
church, a candidate for ordination as an evangelist, was 
examined by council convened at the house of Benjamin 
True, and pronounced "Not ripe enough in doctrinal 
knowledge." Doctrinal soundness seemed essential in 
the estimate of our ancestors. To talk glibly, even if 
nothing is taught substantially, seems an immense ability 
in the opinions of not a fevv' of today. Reject undeserv- 
ing applicants, and an increase of ministerial efficiency 
would follow. 

The records indicate that in the year 1803 the Bap- 
tists worshipped with the Congregationalists; that at a 
certain conference meeting deacons Kimball and True 
were chosen a committee to confer with the Congrega- 
tional society with reference to securing Elder Kendrick, 
of Cornish for a given .Sunda\'. Subsequentl)' the said 
Elder Kendrick preached freciuentl)' for this church, in 
school-houses and other places. On June 5th, 1812, the 
names of Reuben and Hannah True were added to the 
list of church membership. The records are not replete 
with interesting items between the last named date and 
1820. P^vidently there were not a few dark da}s during 
those years. 

On Sept. 20th, of the }ear 1820, several of the breth- 
ren and sisters, namely, J. Cram, Willis Kimball, Moses- 
True, Levi Cram, Richard Evans, Anna Cram, Betsey 



Aiii/ivirsaiy /ixcrciscs. j 

Cram, and Charlotte Kimball met for the purpose of rc- 
consccration and pra}-er for the descent of the Spirit. 

In 1 82 1 the church voted to take steps toward the 
formation of a Baptist Society, and to circulate a sub- 
scription paper for the purpose of securing funds for the 
support of preaching according to Baptist belief. Reu- 
ben True, Richard I^vans, and George Avery were ap- 
pointed agents to solicit said funds. About this time one 
juicier Coburn made a visit to these brethren of like pre- 
cious faith and was invited to preach. He remained with 
the church, doing most of the preaching, for a term of 
nearly five }-ears, during which time several imptjrtant ad- 
ditions were made. It is presumed that Rider Coburn 
was earnest and of average abilit\'. 

During the \-ears from '26 to '30 l^^lder Kcndrick of 
Cornish was the principal preacher. I^21der Kendrick was 
a man of magnificent ph\'siqut — well proportioned, and 
of commanding presence. He was not classically culti- 
vated, but possessed mental abilities of no mean order. 
Religiously he was sound in the faith and brave to a fault, 
of eccentric habits, yet conscientious. The records gi\'e 
nothing definite concerning church progress during these 
years of intermittent pastoral service. 

In February, 1832, the committee requested Clement 
Hough to communicate with his brother. Rev. Joseph 
Hough, of Bozrah, Conn., with reference to his settlement 
as pastor of the church. Mr. Hough came, and after five 
week's trial was unanimously elected to the pastorate. 
About this time one Elder John Peacock appears among 
the passing pictures. Having no special connection with 
the church, I can spare but this brief mention. In the year 
1829 an important meeting was held at East Plainfield, 
near the residence of Dr. Martin, on which occasion steps 
were t<d<en toward the erection of a church edifice. The 
constitution adopted specified the dimensions as fifty b\' 
forty feet, one story high, with steeple and belfr}'. The 
plans were successfulh' executed, and the completed 
house dedicated to the worship of God in Ma\-, 1832, the 
Re\-. Oren Tracy preaching the dedicatory sermon, from 
the scripture found in Gen. 28: 17. — "This is none other 
but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." 
Of the impressiveness of the service there arc but brief 
hints. It is taken for granted, however, that intense en- 
thusiasam centered in the occasion No doubt the burden 
of building had pressed heavil}- on the few, and common 
comforts had been sacrificed that the house of hoi)' wor- 
shij) might be provided. \\\\y the first church building 



8 A/uiii'crsai V Rxciriscs. 

was located in the east part of the town we do not know, 
but presume in the interests of the south Lebanon breth- 
ren. 

The house being dedicated, a series of revival scrx'iccs 
began under the supervision of pastor Hough, assisted 
by brethren from the adjacent churches. The church 
was revived and souls were saved. Among the important 
additions was that of Samuel Winkley of precious memo- 
ry, a man of sterling qualities who subsequently became 
deacon. Deacon VVinkley seemed a born leader. With 
consecrated abilities he was enabled to aid in all the 
varied interests of the body of which he was proud to be 
a part. About this time meetings were frequently held 
at the Plain to accomodate those resident in that part of 
the town. The pastorate of Elder Hough closed earl\- in 
the year of 1834. He was evidently a good leader and of 
average preaching abilities. For nearly a year the church 
was pastorless, then the Rev. J. E. Strong of Gilford was 
called. The work under pastor Strong seemed to open 
auspiciousl)'. In January or February of this year a pro- 
tracted meeting resulted in the conversion of thirt}-or more 
whose ages ranged from 13 to 32 years. These accessions 
greatly encouraged the brethren; the church took a new 
lease of life. In the year 1835 they reported a member- 
ship of 57, with contributions to benevolent objects 
amounting to Si I 5.22. Such magnificent offerings, con- 
sidering the number, are proof positive of the genuine- 
ness of the work of grace just closed. Pastor Strong re- 
mained about a year and closed his labors. Again the 
church was destitute of a visible head. They continued 
thus for about three years, when Elder Gibbon Williams 
was chosen to the pastorate. 

About this time the question of change of location 
began to be discussed. The result was the calling of a 
special meeting which convened at the residence of T. J. 
Harris at East Plainfield, March 26th, 1836, on which oc- 
casion it was decided to dispose of or remove the house 
to a more central or advantageous site. Sale was made 
with parties of East Plainfiekl and a new location made 
at Meriden. The present grounds were purchased of Dr. 
P^lias Frost. The condescension of Dr. Frost to part with 
this portion of his beautiful grounds was the result of his 
close, friendly relations with Maj. Reuben True. The 
doctor's pew" remains the propertx' of his descendants and 
is still occupied by his daughter Mary and friends. 

The house, built of brick, with dimension of 40 by 55 
feet, with symmetrical steeple, was speedily completed; 



Anniversary Exercises. 9 

and on Jan. 1st, 1839, it was dedicated to the worship 
of the one true and living God. A few names come into 
prominence as important factors in the erection of the 
present edifice. Reuben True appears the principal agent 
in the enterprise, then his brother Osgood, Clement 
I lough, Captain Moses Eaton, and others. Capt. ICaton 
was the father of our venerable brother Orvill T. Eaton 
and sister Mary Daniels. The latter a \alued accession 
to the Church of Lebanon. Capt. V\. will be remembered for 
his unselfish activities in all departments of church life, 
especially for his untiring efforts in the erection of the 
present edifice. These brethren seemed to feel the ne- 
cessity of Christ's cause ami acted accordingly. They 
gave liberally of their time and means. Those less able 
to aid were doubtless appreciative of the generosity of 
these brethren. 

Rev. Gibbon Williams, the pastor, preached the ser- 
mon of dedication. Rev. Ira Pearsons and Rev. Reuben 
Sayer assisted in the dex'otional exercises. John D. Eord 
of Cornish was musical director. For a time prior to the 
completion of this house, the church services were held 
ill a small hall in the parsonage. Again the True bro- 
thers are the benefactors. They purchase and present to 
the church the parsonage property consisting of comfort- 
able house, out buildings and 16 acres of land. Elder 
Williams was an earnest, able man with intensely progres- 
sive ideas. About the middle of March of that year he 
commenced a series of revival services, assisted by 
preaching brethren from different parts of the state. Dur- 
ing that season of grace forty-seven souls were converted 
and added to the church. Other accessions followed until 
1 84 1, when the membership was one hundred and nineteen. 
Ill this connection, we meet for the first time in the history 
the name of Rev. Samuel W. Miles, of Newport, South 
Wales. He becomes a member of the church at this time. 
A year later and the name of Elder Williams disappears 
from the records, and the Rev. Mr. Miles is called to the 
pastorate. In March of the same year Re\-. Daniel V. 
Richardson unites with the church. 

During the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Miles, which 
extended o\er a period of nearly 20 \ears, no church 
records were kept. The events of those \-ears, however 
important to the writer of this paper, are chronicled only 
on the tablet of human memory. The church speaks in 
fragmentar)' utterances from the lips of her living par- 
ticipants of those days. Rev. Mr. Miles was not a native 
American, in what i)art of tlu' principaJitx- of old Wales 



10 Amiivcrsary Exercises. 

he first saw light, none of his Meriden parishioners were 
ever privileged to know. The impulse to immigrate, the 
occasion of his coming to this country, were not whispered 
into the ears of his most intimate friends. He was a 
man of values ; he knew, and knew enough not to let others 
know all. He was not absolutely ascetic in habit, yet of 
retiring disposition, he often sought seclusion. He was 
unmarried until near the close of life when he wedded the 
widow of Converse Smith of Plainfield. That he was sin- 
gular and sometimes severely denounced as erratic goes 
without saying. 

As a scholar and theologian he had but few peers. 
His intellectual attainments were of an high order. He 
had the abilities of the critic and knew how to use them. 
His sermons were models in every sense, and if doctrinal, 
they were sound and certain in their effect. His spiritual 
impressions and experiences seemed to himself to.o secret 
and sacred to be sent into common language. They 
must be voiced only from the pulpit which was his throne 
of power. He was not one to rely upon applause; to ap- 
preciate him you must stretch to your highest height. 
With this stalwart thinker and preacher as leader, with 
his characteristic want of social and spiritual nerve, it 
does not suprise us that so few church accessions were 
made during those years. His pastorate, however, was 
by no means a barren period. Several were received to 
membership and the church was instructed in the funda- 
mentals of faith and doctrine. Under his oddities were 
forces of character which left an impress time cannot efface. 
Among his last acts was that of committing all his written 
thoughts to the flames. He also requested that no obitu- 
ary notice should be published, that his tombstone 
should bear no inscription beyond his name and date of 
death. He fell on sleep in the parsonage home where 
he had long lived and for which he cherished sacred af- 
fection. He died in the faith he so ably advocated. 

In i86i those members living in the \iciiiity of the 
"Plain" applied for letters of dismission that they might 
form a church at that place. This request was granted 
and the new church was recognized at the ne.xt associa- 
tional gathering which took place at East Washington. 
Thus the fond mother was called to part with 30 or more 
of her dutiful children. She rejoiced, however, that her 
sons and daughters were to settle so near the home of 
their childhood. Their edifice is modeled much after this, 
and was built b\' united efforts of Methodists, Universal- 
ists, and Baptists. Rev. Daniel ¥. Richardson was the 



. b/i/ii'irsiiry Jixiirisis. 1 1 

next pastor of this church; he was a resident of Hanover 
but his church membership had been with this body for 
many years. Although receivinu^ no formal call to the 
pastorate he continued his ministrations for nearl\- 5 years. 
Rev. Richardson was a stron^i^ man, scholarly, and 
religiously wise and sound. Under his faithful leadership 
several important additions were made. He was a man 
of cultured qualities whose memor\' is precious to all 
whose privilege it was to know him. He passed to his 
heavenly reward from his home in Hanover. 

He was succeeded by the Rev. S. L. Elliot of Clare- 
mont. Rev. Elliot served the church for a brief period 
not exceeding one year. Subsequenth' the church called 
the Rev. Charles H. Green. Mr. Green was a man of 
broad sympathies, of saintl\' bearing, a good minister of 
Jesus Christ. The church at that time was somewhat 
reduced; its membership did not exceed 32, but in 
union there is strength. No inharmonious elements were 
present in the body. Bro. Green led them to grand 
achievements in the kingdom; there was no special out- 
pouring of the spirit, but there was a steady ingathering 
of souls. 

The pastorate of this choice man lasted but about one 
year, when he succumbed to consumptive tendencies 
and was no more, for God had taken him. He, too, died 
in the hush of the pastoral home. in the ebb of the 
energies, as the spirit took its upward flight, these words 
fell from his trembling lips: "He whom I have recom- 
mended as the sinner's hope is now mine." The church 
was stricken with grief well-nigh insupportable. The 
cloud passed, the church arose from its knees, brushed 
away its tears, and resolutely renewed the conflict for the 
kingdom. In the autumn of '62 the membership was 
again reduced. .Se\'eral of the best, namely, the Houghs, 
were dismissed to aid in tiie formation of a church in 
Lebanon. Members of this excellent family remain unto 
this day, however, to perpetuate the honored name in the 
body of the fathers, to sacrifice common interests, to co- 
operate in every department of church work. The inter- 
mingling of Trues and Houghs has developed ideal 
Christian character. The tender twig transi:)lanted to 
that field has grown to sizeable and healthful pro[)ortions 
under the care and culture of its God-fearing husband- 
men. The mother church felt keenh' her loss both finan- 
ciall\- and religiously; but, confiding in her God, she re- 
newed her endeavors to meet the increasing demand. 

To succeed the Re\-. Mr. Green, the church recalled 



12 Anni^'tTsary Exercises. 

the Rev. S. L. P^lliott, whose pastorate continued about 
two years, during which time several additions were made. 
His next settlement was in Vermont, where he died a few 
months later, aged forty-eight years. Mr. E. was a man 
of strong convictions He was graduated at the New 
Hampton Theological Seminar}- — the ahna mater of the 
Rev. D. C. Eddy, D. D., the Rev. Amos Web.ster, D. D., 
and many others of note in the Baptist ministry. 

After an interim of a few months, during which the 
church relied upon supplies, the Re\'. Stephen G. Abbott 
was unanimously elected to the pastorate. Important im- 
provements were made during Mr. Abbott's term of 
service, which covered a period of five years. The pipe 
organ now in use was purchased and put in its place at a 
cost of near $1000; also the commodious vestry, which is 
an indispensable adjunct for work and worship. Pastor 
Abbott was a genial Christian gentleman, popular with all 
classes. His literary attainments were above the average. 
His sermons were finished productions; his theology of 
the apostolic type. In the latter part of the fourth year 
of his pastorate a goodly number were added to the 
church. Those years of refreshing from the presence of 
the Lord will not soon be forgotten Brother Abbott has 
since retired from postoral care, but not from the holy 
calling of the preacher. He resides at Keene; and while 
engaged in literar\' pursuits, supplies pulpits as Providence 
opens the way. 

The next to succeed in the ofi^ice of pastor was the 
Rev. Horace G. Hubbard, now pastor of the Baptist 
church at Campton Village. Mr. Hubbard remained five 
)'ears, resigning in April, '76. Pastor Hubbard proved 
himself a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. Not 
so swift as some, but he got there in good condition. P^ar- 
1\' in his pastorate the Lord let the droppings of his grace 
fall on pastor and people. The general awakening re- 
sulted in the calling of evangelist Whittier to the pastor's 
assistance. The glorious work continued uninterrupt- 
ed for weeks. Manv souls came into the kingdom through 
the saving grace of the Christ. lluis another restful 
oasis in the interesting history of the dear old churcii. 

The next in the line of leaders was the Rev. Albert 
Ileald. Brother Heald served the church with excellent 
acceptance for about five years. Nothing special is not- 
ed. A steady progress is evident. Mr. Heald may not 
have had the scholastic advantages of some of his prede- 
cessors, but he must rank with the class of judicious, 
painstaking pastors. Always open to the converse of his 



A/ii/i:'irsan' /t.ir/r/srs. i ^ 

constituents, bavino- an interest in the welfare of all, he 
could but be popular. Durint^ those years baptisms were 
fretjuent; but dismissions were common. Members were 
changing residences, and requesting letters to unite with 
sister churches. Brother Heald removed to P\'lcii\illc, 
\'t., where he is still a beloved jDastor. 

To succeed in the office, the church called the Rev. 
B. F. l.awrence, who entered upon the work in Jul\of the 
same year. Brother Lawrence was a man of good minis- 
terial methods, well educated, and of dignified deport- 
ment. He won pojDular esteem, not by his flattery, but by 
his well-guarded Christian manhood. Besides the w orl^ of 
the immediate parish, he preached, baptised, and did pas- 
toral service in sections adjoining, especially in the Wood- 
ard district. There several were saved and brought into 
the fellowship of the church. The interior of the edifice 
was remodeled, and other improvements made, during 
this important pastorate. It was with great reluctance 
that the church parted with this devoted leader. He was 
called to .Maine, where he still resides. At the close of 
his pastorate the church numbered 6o members. 

The churcli was again in a shepherdless condition. Af- 
ter casting about, the e.N:ecutive committee decided upon 
the Rev. VV^m. P. Bartlett of Campton Village. He was 
called, and in January commenced his labors as pastor. 
His serx'ice covered a period of two years and four 
months, during which several conversions took place, and 
some worth}' additions were made. Mr. Bartlett has 
more than the average pulpit abilitw His sermonic 
methods are biblical; he sometimes enforces gospel truth 
in a masterly manner. He is well educated, and able to 
occupy influential positions. His sincerity of intention 
can be questioned b\- none. He removed to \^ermont, 
thence to O.xford, Mass., where is still acti\c in the jjas- 
t orate. 

Vnv se\cral months the church was supplied with 
preaching b\ the Rev. (ieo. C. Trow, of Plainfield Plain, 
and others, until August, '89, when the Rev. O. Wilson 
Kimball of Cottage City, Mass., was unanimously invited 
to enter the line of sacred succession. During the three 
vears of the present pastorate the old church has enjoyed 
man\' heavenly seasons. The word of the Infinite, under 
the inspiration of his Spirit, has passed out and into 
hearts, piercing even to the dividing assunder, discerning 
to the wounded one the healing of the holy Christ. Some 
heads of households, who had' not seen the interior of 
God's sanctuary for years, have been recovered, restored. 



14 A inn vcrsary Exercises . 

and made meet for the Master's use. They deHght in 
the sanctifying service of the sanctuary, and endeavor to 
walk blameless in the presence of the Priest and King of 
us all. Heaven hears our grateful acknowledgements. 
God knows we try to appreciate the wonderful dealings 
of his grace. Among those received by baptism are two 
worthy students preparing for the work of the ministry. 
Chester G. Savage, the first licentiate, is pursuing theo- 
logical studies at Newton Seminary. Thomas Phillips 
Evans, a devoted student at Kimball Union Academy, a 
very promising young preacher, came mto the fold by 
baptism, also M. D. and Jay Brown, brothers, from the 
state of New York, all careful, conscientious young men. 
In all, twenty-five have been received by the ordinance of 
baptism. The work has been progressive — characterized 
by no undue excitement. 

The parsonage buildings have undergone important 
repairs. The additions of a comniodious piazza and the 
new coat of paint over all have greatly beautified the his- 
toric home. The house of worship has also received a 
new garment; having had the soiled suit put out of sight, 
she stands forth clothed in the clean white. An aid soci- 
ety among the ladies has been organized under the direc- 
tion of the pastor's wife. Through the timely efforts of 
this society other improvements may be expected. The 
wisest and best concede that the church was never more 
prosperous. The congregations are large and attentive; 
the Sunday-school united, interesting, and full of hope. 

The church has a well-invested fund amounting to 
$1300. The largest individual donor was Miss Mary 
True. The original agents of the fund were the brothers 
Reuben and Osgood True. Other names appear, such as 
Samuel Winkley, Hurbank, Eaton, Ch.cUis, Daniels, Sid- 
ney True, Jesse Spaulding, Mrs. Daniels, Lucy Andrews. 
Among the number of members who ha\'e entered the 
ministry we mention Benj. O. True, who graduated from 
Dartmouth College and Rochester heological Seminary, 
was for several years pastor of large and influential 
churches, and is now Professor of Church History in the 
later-named institution of sacred learning. In connection 
with Dr. True we appropriately mention the name of 
Samuel Winkley Cole, son of Dea. and Mrs. Cole, who 
was converted early in life, and at once assumed the du- 
ties of organist. He is now a resident of Boston, a teach- 
er of music, also the efficient organist of the Clarendon 
Street Baptist Church. His annual visits are refreshing 
to pastor and people. 



. l/n/i-i'iisory /t.xcn/sis. I 5 

The church has always cared kindly for its [)astors, 
|)a\in<^ the salar\' as at^rced, and often much better. It 
has, at all times, endeavored to be at peace with all. It 
has, however, held unswervingly to the spirit of apostolic 
teaching. There ha\'e been fourteen pastors and seven 
deacons. Stephen D. Stone and Converse Cole still act 
in the latter office. For the extended term of 2y years 
Dea. Stone wrote accurately and eloquently the records of 
the dealings of God with this church. It has been the 
privilege of the writer of this paper to peruse those rec- 
ords; and how' often the tear has stolen down the cheek, 
and the pen trembled, as we traced the tender thoughts 
that flowed through his pen! He has written his own 
blessed epitaph. Dea. Cole's voice, yea, his very soul, 
has become a part of the body. These men have taken 
the mantle of the Trues, the Eatons, the Winkleys, and 
others who preceded in the holy office and work. Many 
others, descendants of the stalwart fathers and mothers, 
should be mentioned, but space is not permitted. 

A few items of general information and we close this 
paper. Who can question the authority of Neander's 
prophecy? The Baptists have a mighty mission. They 
are to bring Christendom back to the primitive New Tes- 
tament order. If they be true to themselves, true to their 
iMaster, they will be his honored instruments in securing 
the result. Bishop Smith of Kentucky speaks thus: "God 
in his providence has permitted the rise of the Baptists 
for the purpose of ultimately restoring the apo.stolic mode 
of baptism." Said the late Dr. Wood of Andover, Mass.: 
"I have wished that our denomination [the Congregation- 
al] was as free from erratic speculations, and as well 
grounded in the doctrines and experimental principles of 
the Puritans as the Baptists. It seems to me that they 
are the Christians who are likely to maintain pure Chris- 
tianity and to hold fast the form of sound words. " 

If the Lord has ordained us to such transcendent 
achievements, to be the leading factors in the world's re- 
demption — if the eye of the nation looks thus upon us — 
what sort of people ought we to be in all holy conversa- 
tion, in conscience, in deportment, in spiritual power? 
Should we not cling more closely to biblical simplicity 
and heart purity? Should we not defend the peculiar 
truths providentially entrusted to our care? Should we 
not so instruct our children that they may be ready at all 
times to give an intelligent reason for cherishing the faith 
of their fathers? Should we not be models of morality 
and piety? Wh>- not our Christlikeness, our meekness, 



1 6 A)t)iivcr$ary Exercises. 

our lov^e for each other, put to eternal silence the charge 
of hyper sectarianism? 

At the beginning of this centur}- there were less than 500 
Baptist churchesin thiscountry. The entire membershipdid 
not exceed 40.000. At the close of the century we have 
35,890 churches with 3,269,806 members — nearly one in 
every nineteen of the countrj's population. One hun- 
dred years ago there was but one real foreign missionary 
society; now there are nearly 300. The Baptist conven- 
tion for missionary purposes, organized in 1S14, is now 
the Missionary Union, having lOOO preachers, 700 church- 
es, with 85,000 members in heathen lands. The first mod- 
ern missionaries to heathen lands were Baptists — Carey 
and others. Joseph Hughes, the first to conceive the idea 
of giving the bible to all nations, was a Baptist. The first 
translations of the scripture into heathen tongues were 
made by Baptists. The first Christian churches in India, 
Burmah, and China were Baptist churches. 

But we will not glory save in the cross of the cruci- 
fied Christ. My beloved brethren, look at our history. 
What hath God wrought! The growth of the Home Mis- 
sionary department of the Baptist denomination is phe- 
nominal. Organized in the \'ear 1832, objectively to dis- 
seminate the gospel of the kingdom among Americans, 
now has its well-equipped agents in every state and terri- 
tory, also in Canada and Mexico. It sends its self-deny- 
ing, able advocates to the frontiers, among the lawless, to 
preach and teach the truths that enlighten, uplift, and 
save, to leaven the irreligious lump, and permanently 
plant the ensign of the cross. These brave men and wo- 
men, fresh from college halls, stand in the rush of Euro- 
pean immigration to turn the tide toward God, loyalty, 
and order. Its consecrated agents are active among In- 
dians. Africans, Chinese, and Mexicans. Its schools, col- 
leges, and theological seminaries thickl\- dot the South 
and West Last year the society sustained i 053 mission- 
aries, erected 121 churches, in 33 states and territories, or- 
ganized 115 churches, with 9,388 additions, baptising 4,- 
3^5 converts; also 27 schools and other departments of 
gospel work, time will not permit me to mention. 

Every local church rs a part of this body, and 
annually contributes its share to defray the expense oi 
the (jod-commissioned work. If this church falls behind 
in its gifts, it is not because of its want of benevolent dis- 
position, but because of its want of training in that partic- 
ular direction. 

Beloved brethren, we have reason for profound grati- 



/liiiiifirsarv /ixciriscs. \J 

tude to God our l'\-ithcr and his Son Jesus Christ our Sav- 
iour, the I Iol\- Spirit, the comfort and <j^uide of the sa\'ed. 
for the hrii^ht, l)lesscd record of the past of this people; 
for the <^U)rious fruits of devotion and heart consecration, 
in the humble as well as in the honored and exalted life; 
for the \\'\0\ ideals and prosperous conditions of the 
churches born of this stalwart, \'i;^orous stock; tor the 
succession of stront^ and earnest ministers of the word 
pastors pure in heart and life. We fall on our knees, and 
breathe our prayer of thankss^ix'ins^ for our God-fearing, 
faithful ancestry; for the fathers and mothers who stood 
shoulder to shoulder beneath the biu-den in the heat of the 
day; who withheld not; who swerved not in the often ar- 
duous maintainance of the institutions of this church. We 
would, but, O, how feeble om- attempts to tell or tabulate 
the providencies of a centurx-! 

May we send into the o[)ening century contributions 
of the best we possess— God's gift of intelligence. Chris- 
tian culture, and a purpose to build broader and better 
for those who shall succeed us. Let me touch you ten- 
derly with the thought of one surviving saint whose eyes 
saw the first minister — sister Hannah D. True, widow of 
the late Reuben True, and mother of Benjamin O. and 
William C. True, past 90 years of age, resides with the 
latter son. She wrought with her husband in the days of 
church construction. Would you see the monument of 
her devotion, look about you. We hold her tenderly but 
closely. May the setting sun send its shafts of glory and 
thus gild her pale brow while she passes to the beautiful 
beyond. "In the cross of Christ we glory, towering o'er 
the wrecks of time." /;/ hoc sii^>io vinces. 

10. SOLO. "One hundred years ago." 

Miss IT ATT IK Davis. 

11. POEM. Mks. Sakah Cheney Abbott. 

(Read bv Hon. P.. H. Ciii:m;v. editor of the Granite State Free Press, 
and L". S. Con--ul to Matanzas, Cuba.> 

POEM. 

God in liis wisdom early planned 
And planted here with careful hand 
A modest vine the records say 

A hundred years a.^-o today. 

♦ 

His people, then a scattered few, 
Together came with purpose true. 
All, prompted by his word and grace, 
With one accord were in one place. 



1 8 A/n/nuTSdiy f.xciriscs. 

Regeneration, works and faith 

All pointed to baptismal death; 

An emblem of their Lord's own grave, 

Which he had tilled that he might save 

All who believe — and from it rose, 

\'ictor o'er death and all his foes; 

That, like him, they, 'mid toil and strife, 

Might walk the new and better life. 

They took the scriptures for their rule 

Of faith and practice, "old, old school." 

An "Elder,": duly authorized, 

Gave his right hand and organized 

The Baptist Church of Meriden; 

And all the people said "amen," 

And on their way rejoicing went. 

Till God to them a shepherd sent 

To 'tend and fold this little flock 

Beneath the shadow of the Rock, 

In pastures where sweet verdure grows, 

By waters clear, in soft repose. 

This new formed union, Christ the head, 

With his own hand and Spirit led; 

The word was quick; and o'er the plain 

Fell showers of grace like summer rain. 

Time's tide, rolled back one hundred years, 

Lays on the strand joys, griefs and fears. 

The many changes, ill or good. 

We cannot mention if we would. 

Your early members, one and all, 

Have'signalled to the silent call; 

A long procession, till today. 

The FathersI where, (])hl where are they? 

They all have left both plain and hill. 

Instead of sires the children till 

This fruitful garden of the Lord 

And scatter seed which is the word. 

The Pastors' names we may not give; 

Nine have passed on, and six still live. 

The faithful Shepherd all doth hold. 

Awake or sleeping, in one fold. 

This tender slip, of palest hue, 

By morning sun and evening dew, 

Is now a plant with leaves and fruit; 

Grand outcome of its soil and root. 



MB 9 1 



.\iini'i'ii sdiy /:.V('/r/S(S. 19 

Many their names, but one we'll call, 
Who is of atje and speaks for all 
With ton,tjue, and voice, and readv pen 
And tirst was known as "little Hen." 

Like Sanuiel, wlien l)ul a child, 
He heard the voice of (iod and smiled. 
True to the end, the child reply 
Ma\- he repeat, "Lord, Here :iin L" 

The Hrst one hundred years are done. 
Another century is be,i,am; 
Veterans and youthi now lift vour eyes, 
A waitini.,' harvest round you lies! 

12. REMINISCK\XE.S of the Choir. 

Dea. Converse Cole. 

n. POEM. Mrs. Sarah Cheney x^bbott. 

(Read by A B. Chellis.) 

We remember the bov who fingered the keys 
When "our new pipe organ" first wafted the breeze, 
Well laden with music so pure, and so sweet. 
We thought with the angels our choir would compete. 

The soul of the leader was fired by the sound 
Which, with the full chorus, made these walls resound. 
The whole congregation with spirit and tongue 
loin in the New Song which the angels ne'er sung. 

Then, here the young man made his graceful debut 
On the faithful old organ, then shining and new. 
And the organist lives though the years a full score. 
And is bound to press onward and on evermore. 

This thrifty young branch from the vine on our tire 

Is reset at "The Hub" where now glows the "Cole-fire." 

So that all who are warmed by its radiance feel 

Thev have found the main spoke in the "much-water" wheel. 

14. BENEDICTION, by Rev. G. W. Gardner, D. D. 



THE EVENING EXERCISES 

opened with an elaborate service of song, tinder the (H- 
rection of the choir, led by Josiah Davis. Esq. An ap- 
propriate jM-ayer was offered by Rev. F. A. Farren. pastor 



20 Anniversary Exercises. 

of the church at New London, followed by an able ad- 
dress by the Rev. Dr. Gardner on "The supremacy of 
scripture in Baptist belief." The choir rendered the im- 
pressive anthem, "The Lord will comfort Zion." 

Appropriate remarks were made by Reverends J. F. 
Fielden, Geo. C. Trow, Albert Heald, and O. C. Sargent. 
Miss Mabel E. Howard, of Kimball Union Academy, read 
letters from Reverends B. O. True, D. D., B. F. Lawrence, 
H. S. Hubbard, and W. Porter Bartlett. 

The closing address was made by Rev. N. F. Tilden, 
and was a bristling, appropriate summary. This was 
followed by singing by the choir, "Nearer my God to 
Thee," and benediction by Rev. Ur. Gardner. 








■^^:^; 



.o^\ 



^o. 









,-^^ 



; _^" ^ ^>g^%^)^^' v^ -^ ^ 










■^ ^^ -n^ 



/ \ ^S-V^\ w o^^^\ '^^"^-^ 



«^ v^^'' "'o V^ 



^v ^ -" " A. *>> \v <> Xf' 








o V 






,^^ "^. 









^j( 



^°-U., 



"y- 























\y^^:p-: ^^- "-^ '-.^i^v /''%. ^-.--v^^" '^^^'^'^^^ --^SPf^^ 



0' 





.:^S-..%.o^^ 


x^'C^, 




DOBBS BROS. 




LIBRARY eiNDING 


IT. AUGUSTINE 




#^""-. 















